Listen: Karl Stefanovic’s first break on 2GB

Steve Price’s new Afternoons show on 2GB and 4BC sees the former Nights host joined by a slew of Nine Network personalities.

Macquarie Media confirmed Price’s weekly lineup of co-hosts, which kicked off today with former Today host Karl Stefanovic.

Despite being axed from Today in 2018, Karl reportedly still has another year left on his lucrative $60,000 weekly contract with Nine (which now owns Macquarie Media).

There was even speculation that Karl was being sounded out by 2DayFM and Triple M Sydney Breakfast.

Price will be joined by Stefanovic every Monday, Continuous Call Team member Erin Molan on Wednesdays, Today anchor Deb Knight on Thursdays and NRL commentator Phil Gould on Fridays, in what The Daily Telegraph is calling Nine’s “soft takeover” of 2GB.

Rita Panahi and Mieke Buchan will also join the show on a daily basis.

“The nature of media in these digital times means there is no shutdown for all of us including talk radio,” said Price of the new lineup.

“So much happens post the frantic breakfast setting up of the day and I’m excited to follow Alan Jones and Ray Hadley, Australia’s two most successful talk stars.

“Afternoons will be a combination of opinion, talkback, breaking news and more.”

Price replaces Chris Smith in the 12pm-3pm slot. Smith departed Macquarie following speculation that his relationship with the network had become strained over recent weeks.

Macquarie Media CEO Adam Lang added;  “We’ve seen how broad Steve Price’s appeal is – and now with The Steve Price Show to air from 12-3pm, a new audience can enjoy his down-to-earth style, from tradies on a worksite to parents doing the school pickup.

“We also know how tough it is so many businesses out there – and Steve has a track record of delivering terrific results for our clients.”